Arctic animals and their adaptations to life on the edge /

This book is an exemplar for others treating life in different regions of the Earth. Written and illustrated with great clarity and expertise, this work covers an amazing range of topics and an Arctic taxonomic spectrum from invertebrates to mammals. The treatment of the various groups or species crosses the boundaries of ecology, biogeography, anatomy, and physiology, reflecting the erudition and synthetic ability of author Blix (Univ. of Tromso, Norway). Whether the issue is bird migrations, Arctic hydrology, freeze tolerance, heat stress, or seasonal changes in fat distribution (or other arcane but well-explained subjects in physiology--the topics go on and on), readers are likely to find answers or connections to other related subjects. The book is eminently readable--accessible to the whole range from college (or even high school) beginners to professional biologists. Perfectly suited as a textbook on Arctic biology, it is also an essential introduction and reference to virtually all zoological topics related to cold-adapted forms. Blix provides both bibliographic references and suggestions for further reading, along with an outline classification. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All levels. F. S. Szalay University of New Mexico